Political Storm Erupts as Humayun Kabir Admits Video Authenticity, Alleges Selective Editing
In a dramatic development that has intensified political hostilities in West Bengal, Humayun Kabir, the founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), has acknowledged the authenticity of a controversial video released by the Trinamool Congress. The video purportedly shows Kabir seeking a staggering Rs 1,000 crore from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while making derogatory remarks about Muslims, describing them as "gullible." However, Kabir has launched a fierce counterattack, alleging that the clip was selectively edited from a much longer 51-minute recording.
Kabir's Detailed Allegations and Legal Threats
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Kabir provided a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the recording. He stated emphatically, "The video is true, but only 19 minutes of a 51-minute conversation has been shown. I was speaking to two persons — one claimed to be a Sadhu from Siliguri, the other a journalist from Delhi. I have the full video and documents to support my claims." Kabir alleged that Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee orchestrated a sophisticated sting operation, deploying individuals disguised as a holy man and a journalist to entrap him.
Kabir revealed that the recording took place at his residential flat in Berhampore on December 19, 2025. He strongly denied any direct involvement with BJP leadership, asserting, "There is no footage showing me meeting any BJP leader — not Modi, not Shah." The political figure announced his intention to pursue legal action, declaring, "I will identify them and take legal action. I have six lawyers ready." He further indicated plans to file a case in the High Court with legal representation already secured.
Escalating Political Warfare and Broader Allegations
Kabir did not limit his accusations to the video controversy alone. He launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, making explosive claims about her political maneuvers. "It was Mamata Banerjee who brought the BJP into Bengal," he alleged. Kabir promised further revelations, stating, "In three days, I will reveal everything — where Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee held meetings with the RSS and how they planned actions against Muslims." These allegations add a new dimension to the already volatile political landscape in the state.
Trinamool's Strategic Response and Political Fallout
The Trinamool Congress swiftly capitalized on Kabir's admission to target the BJP, particularly focusing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous dismissal of similar videos as AI-generated. A senior party functionary pointedly questioned, "When Kabir himself has said the video is real, why did the Prime Minister call it AI-generated?" This strategic move aims to undermine the BJP's credibility regarding the authenticity of political recordings.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the controversy directly during a public rally in Bankura's Onda. She emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, "You are seeing how a Rs 1,000 crore deal has been made to divide Hindus and Muslims. The person in the video is saying it is real — how will this be covered up now?" Her comments reflect the party's effort to frame the issue as evidence of BJP's divisive politics.
Immediate Political Consequences and Verification Status
The controversy has already triggered significant political realignments. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) severed its alliance with Kabir's AJUP within a day of the video surfacing. The party issued a statement explaining, "We cannot associate with statements where the integrity of Muslims is questioned," and announced its decision to contest the Bengal elections independently. This development represents a tangible political casualty of the unfolding scandal.
It is important to note that the 19-minute clip, titled 'The Reality of HK,' has not been independently verified by any third-party sources. The absence of verification leaves room for continued dispute about the complete context and authenticity of the claims made by both sides in this escalating political confrontation.
The controversy highlights the increasingly sophisticated nature of political warfare in India, where digital media, alleged sting operations, and selective editing have become powerful tools for discrediting opponents. As both sides prepare for legal battles and further revelations, the political temperature in Bengal continues to rise, with potential implications for upcoming electoral contests and inter-party dynamics.
